Disc cartridge loading and unloading apparatus with a holder and holder arm

ABSTRACT

A disc device including a floating base supported by a chassis through a plurality of elastic members, a holder which is supported on the floating base so as to be able to move vertically with respect to the floating base, and into which a disc cartridge is inserted, a slider, slidably disposed so as to move in directions of inserting and discharging a disc cartridge into and out of the disc device, for holding and carrying a disc cartridge inserted thereinto, and a switch lever, pivotably supported on the holder, for detecting that a disc cartridge is inserted correctly. A holder is rotatably engaged with the holder arm and accepts a disc cartridge inserted thereto, wherein when replaying the disc cartridge held in the holder, the disc cartridge is loaded onto the floating base by rotating the holder with respect to the holder arm and rotating the holder arm with respect to the floating base.

This application is a divisional of copending Application No. 08/676,485Pending, filed on Jul. 8, 1996, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a disc device such as amotor-vehicle-mounted disc device for playing back a mini disc.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Recent years have seen advances in the area of reducing the physicalsize of such a disc device since mini-disc players were brought out.However, further downsizing of a motor-vehicle-mounted disc device hasbeen required.

Conventionally, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid Open(KOKAI) No.5-174478, for example, a cartridge inserting and dischargingmechanism for a mini-disc player is so constructed that, when carrying amini disc to its replay position, a cartridge holder carrier providedwith a rack plate, which is driven by rotation of a power motor, carriesa cartridge holder with the disc, and the engagement of a locking axis(or a locking pin) of a supporting base (or a floating base) with anaxis engaging groove (or a pin engaging groove) is released. Then, thesupporting base becomes a floating state, and the mini disc is playedback.

Such a prior art disc device used as motor-vehicle-mounted equipmentsuffers from a disadvantage that when a disc cartridge is insertedincorrectly, the device suffers a failure since it cannot detect wronginsertion of disc cartridges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a discdevice which can detect wrong insertion of disc cartridges.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a discdevice including a floating base supported by a chassis through aplurality of elastic members; a holder supported on the floating base soas to be able to move vertically with respect to the floating base; aslider, slidably disposed in the holder so as to move in directions ofinserting and discharging a disc cartridge into and out of the holder,for holding and carrying a disc cartridge inserted thereinto; and aswitch lever, pivotably supported on the holder, for detecting that adisc cartridge is inserted correctly.

The slider comprises a wrong-insertion preventing lug projectinginwardly from the slider, which can be engaged in a groove formed on oneedge of a disc cartridge when the disc cartridge is inserted into theholder. Furthermore, the switch lever has a free end portion which ispositioned outside a free end part of the wrong-insertion preventinglug.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thedisc device further includes a shutter opener disposed on the holder soas to be able to slide in directions of inserting and discharging thedisc cartridge into and out of the holder, the shutter opening having aprojecting portion for opening a shutter of the disc cartridge carriedby the slider.

Furthermore, the disc device includes a holder arm rotatably supportedon the floating base. The holder is rotatably engaged with the holderarm. When replaying a disc cartridge held in the holder, the disccartridge which is being held in the holder is loaded onto the floatingbase by rotating the holder with respect to the holder arm and rotatingthe holder arm with respect to the floating base.

The holder arm includes a first pin fixed thereon and penetrating theholder arm, one end of the first pin being inserted into a hole of thefloating base, and the floating base includes a second pin fixed thereonand inserted into a hole of the holder arm. The holder arm is rotatablysupported on the floating base by means of the first and second pins.

The holder includes a pair of projecting portions and the holder armcomprises a pair of notch portions each having a circle-shaped notch inwhich each of the pair of projecting portions of the holder is engaged.The holder is incorporated into the holder arm such that the holder isrotatably supported by the holder arm, by inserting the pair ofprojecting portions of the holder into the pair of circle-shaped notchesof the holder arm and then rotating the holder with respect to theholder arm.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and, thus, are notlimitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disc device according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2a is a general top plan view showing a cartridge inserting anddischarging mechanism of a disc device according to a first embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2b is a general side view showing the cartridge inserting anddischarging mechanism shown in FIG. 2a;

FIG. 2c is a general side view showing the cartridge inserting anddischarging mechanism in a state wherein a holder is moved down toward afloating base;

FIGS. 3a is a top view showing the assembly of a holder arm and theholder of the disc device of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 3b is a side view showing the assembly of the holder arm andholder of the disc device of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the assembly of the holder arm andfloating base of the disc device of the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a general top view of the disc device of the first embodimentin a state wherein a disc cartridge is inserted into the holder;

FIG. 6 is a general top view of the disc device of the first embodimentin a state wherein the disc cartridge inserted is carried to theplayback position;

FIG. 7 is a general top view of the disc device of the first embodimentin a state wherein an ejector arm is separate from a slider disposedwithin the holder;

FIGS. 8a and 8b are a top view and a side view of a shutter openerslidably disposed on the holder of the disc device of the firstembodiment, respectively;

FIGS. 9a and 9b are a top view and a side view of the slider slidablydisposed within the holder of the disc device of the first embodiment,respectively;

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the ejector arm, a spacer arm, and powermotor start and stop switches of the disc device of the firstembodiment;

FIGS. 11a and 11b are a plan view and a side view of a cartridgeinsertion detecting member of the disc device of the first embodiment,respectively;

FIG. 12 is a general plan view showing the disc device of the firstembodiment in a state wherein a disc cartridge is correctly insertedinto the slider;

FIG. 13 is a general plan view showing the disc device of the firstembodiment in a state wherein a disc cartridge is correctly insertedinto the slider and the cartridge is further carried into the holder;

FIG. 14 is a general plan view showing the disc device of the firstembodiment in a state wherein a disc cartridge is incorrectly insertedinto the slider;

FIG. 15 is a general plan view showing the disc device of the firstembodiment in a state wherein a disc cartridge is incorrectly insertedinto the slider and the cartridge is further carried into the holder;

FIG. 16 is a general top view showing of the disc device of the firstembodiment in a state wherein the floating base is locked;

FIG. 17 is a left side view of the disc device when viewed from thedirection indicated by the arrow L in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a partially cutaway view of the left side view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a right side view of the disc device when viewed from thedirection indicated by the arrow R in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a slide plate and a locking plate whichare integral parts of the floating base locking mechanism of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 21 is an elevational view of the slide plate shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of the locking arm shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing another slide plate and another lockingarm which are integral parts of the floating base locking mechanism ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 24 is an elevational view of the other slide plate;

FIG. 25 is an elevational view of the other locking arm;

FIG. 26 is a graph showing a load imposed on a rotary cam when lockingand unlocking the floating base;

FIG. 27 is a general top view showing the disc device of the firstembodiment in a state wherein the floating base is unlocked and theholder is moved down toward the floating base;

FIG. 28 is a left side view of the disc device when viewed from thedirection indicated by the arrow L in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a partially cutaway view of the left side view of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a right side view of the disc device when viewed from thedirection indicated by the arrow R in FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a bottom view showing the floating base on which a pickup isdisposed;

FIG. 32 is a side view of the floating base shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a plan view showing peripheral components of a power motor ofthe disc device of the first embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a side view showing the disc device of the first embodimentwhen the upper part of the holder is pushed downwards;

FIG. 35 is a rear view showing the slider provided with a pair ofprotrusions when viewed from the upper side of FIG. 5;

FIG. 36 is a rear view showing a pair of slider hooks provided with apair of protrusions when viewed from the upper side of FIG. 5;

FIG. 37 is a side view showing a spring engaged between the floatingbase and the holder arm;

FIG. 38 is a plan view showing the ejector arm, groove portion of theslider, and a bent portion of one of the pair of slider hooks;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged view showing the bent portion shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a plan view showing a state wherein the pin of the ejectorarm is brought into contact with the bent portion of the slider hook;

FIG. 41 is a plan view showing a state wherein the pin of the ejectorarm is engaged in the groove portion of the slider;

FIG. 42 is a plan view showing a state wherein the pin of the ejectorarm is guided by a guide portion and then is brought into contact withthe bent portion of the slider hook;

FIG. 43 is an enlarged view showing the guide portion shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a rear view showing the slider of a disc device according toa second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a plan view partially showing the slider shown in FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a general plan view of a disc device according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a left side view of the disc device when viewed from thedirection indicated by the arrow L in FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a right side view of the disc device when viewed from thedirection indicated by the arrow R in FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a partially cutaway view of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a plan view showing first and second slide plates and a linkplate which are integral parts of the floating base locking mechanismaccording to the third embodiment as shown in FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 shows an elevational view of the first slide plate shown in FIG.50;

FIG. 52 shows an elevational view of the link plate shown in FIG. 50;and

FIG. 53 is an elevational view of the second slide plate shown in FIG.50.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Next, a description will be made as to a disc device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Roughly speaking, the disc device can be divided into four mechanisms asfollows. The first mechanism is a disc cartridge inserting anddischarging mechanism. The second mechanism is a floating base lockingmechanism for locking and unlocking a floating base. The third mechanismis a pickup moving mechanism. The fourth mechanism is a power motorperipheral mechanism.

Next, the description will be directed to the basic operation of thedisc device. First, the disc cartridge inserting and dischargingmechanism carries a disc cartridge into its playback position where thecartridge can be loaded onto the floating base. Then, the floating baselocking mechanism unlocks the floating base, so that a chassis holds thefloating base by means of a vibration-absorbing mechanism. As a result,it is difficult for vibrations from outside to reach the floating base.Next, the disc device starts to play back the disc loaded on thefloating base. During the playback of the disc, the pickup movingmechanism moves the pickup in the radial direction of the disc. When theplayback of the disc is completed, the floating base locking mechanismlocks the floating base, and then the disc cartridge inserting anddischarging mechanism discharges the disc cartridge out of the discdevice. Finally, the operation is finished. The power motor is a drivesource which serves to drive the disc cartridge inserting anddischarging mechanism and floating base locking mechanism.

The basic operation of the disc device is as described above. Next, adetailed description will be made of the structure and operation of eachof the four mechanisms.

Referring now to FIG. 1, it illustrates a perspective view showing anoutward appearance of a disc device according to the present invention.When a disc cartridge is inserted into the disc device through aninsertion opening 110, if the user pushes a play start button or pushesthe disc cartridge into a predetermined position, the disc cartridgeinserting and discharging mechanism causes the power motor 56 to drivean ejector arm 9 so as to carry the disc cartridge to the playbackposition. Furthermore, when the user pushes an discharge button (oreject button), the disc cartridge inserting and discharging mechanismcarries the disc cartridge from the playback position to a positionwhere the user can take out the disc cartridge easily.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 2b, they respectively illustrate a topview and a side view of the disc cartridge inserting and dischargingmechanism constructed from a holder arm 1, a side arm 2, a holder 7 andthe floating base 21 which are accommodated within the chassis 24.Furthermore, FIG. 2c is a side view showing a state in which the disccartridge held in the holder 7 is loaded on the floating base 21together with the holder 7 so that the disc can be played back. FIGS. 3aand 3b show a top view and a side view showing the assembly of theholder arm 1 and holder 7, respectively.

In FIGS. 2b and 2c, reference numeral 1a denotes a notch portiondisposed in a lower side part of the U-shaped holder arm 1, 1d denotes acircle-shaped notch formed in the notch portion, and 1c denotes astopping portion projecting from a side surface of the holder arm 1. Thestopping portion of the holder arm is adapted to abut on the side arm 2so as to stop the movement of the side arm relative to the holder arm.The side arm 2 is arranged outside the holder arm 1 and in parallel withthe side surface of the holder arm 1. Furthermore, 2a denotes aninclined portion projecting from a side surface of the side arm 2 andhaving an inclined surface which can be brought into contact with aslide plate 37 (see FIGS. 11a and 11b), slidably attached on the chassis24, when the floating base 21 is locked.

In addition, reference numeral 3 denotes a pin which is fixed at theholder arm 1 and is penetrating the side arm 2. The side arm 2 isrotatably supported by the pin 3. Reference numeral 4 denotes aprojecting portion projecting, which is formed by cutting and bending,from the side arm 2, and 5 denotes a projecting portion, which is formedby cutting and bending, projecting from the holder arm 1. The projectingportions 4 and 5 are engaged with the arm portions 6a and 6b of a spring6, respectively. For example, a twisting spring is used as the spring 6.The holder arm 1 and side arm 2 can rotate about the pin 3. Therefore,the arm portion 6b of the spring 6 urges the projecting portion 5 in thedirection indicated by the arrow A1 in FIG. 2b and the arm portion 6a ofthe spring 6 urges the projecting portion 4 in the direction indicatedby the arrow A2 in FIG. 2b. Simultaneously, the stopping portion 1c ofthe holder arm 1 arrests the rotational movement of the side arm 2relative to the holder arm 1.

Reference numeral 7a denotes a pair of projecting portions formed onboth side surfaces of the box-shaped holder 7 as shown in FIG. 3a. Thecross section of each of the pair of projecting portions 7a is shapedsuch that its thickness in the direction of inserting a cartridge, i.e.,the horizontal thickness is larger than the vertical width. That is, theprojecting portion 7a is shaped like a plate and the holder 7 isarranged such that the longitudinal side of the projecting portion is inparallel with the direction of inserting a disc cartridge into theholder, in this case, the longitudinal side of the projecting portion isrunning horizontally. The upper surface of the holder 7 in the vicinityof the insertion opening 110, as shown in FIG. 1, through which a disccartridge is inserted is indicated by reference numeral 7a.

Next, a description will be made as to the assembly of the holder arm 1and holder 7. First, the holder 7 is inserted into the holder arm 1 inthe direction indicated by the arrow B so that the projecting portion 7afits into the notch portion 1a, as shown in FIG. 3b. After the pair ofprojecting portions 7a are fitted into the pair of circle-shaped notches1d of the notch portions 1a, the holder 7 is rotated in the directionindicated by the arrow C. Then, the pair of projecting portions 7a areengaged in the pair of notch portions 1a, as shown in FIG. 2b. Thus,once the assembly is completed, the holder arm 1 can rotate with respectto the holder 7 since the pair of projecting portions 7a can pivotwithin the pair of circle-shaped notches 1d. As will be mentioned later,since the holder 7 does not rotate with respect to the holder arm 1until the pair of projecting portions 7a of the holder reach theirinserting position where they have been inserted into the pair of notchportions 1a, the holder 7 and holder arm 1 cannot separate from eachother. The width of the opening of each of the pair of circle-shapednotches 1d in the pair of notch portions 1a of the holder arm 1 issmaller than the longitudinal thickness of each of the pair ofprojecting portions 7a of the holder 7. More particularly, thelongitudinal profile of the projecting portion 7a is shown in FIG. 31and includes a waist portion 7a1. The waist portion is smaller than theremainder of the longitudinal profile of the projecting portion 7a andprovides a pivoting surface for holder 7 and holder arm 1 in conjunctionwith the circle-shaped notch 1d as further explained below with thislongitudinal profile, therefore, the pair of projecting portions 7acannot fall off the pair of circle-shaped notches 1d. Furthermore, sincethe pair of projecting portions 7a are formed on both of the sidesurfaces of the holder 7, the provision of the pair of projectingportions 7a does not increase the vertical size of the holder 7.

As shown in FIG. 2a, a pin 23 which is engaged with the holder arm 1 isdisposed at one side surface of the floating base 21 on which acartridge inserted into the holder 7 can be loaded when replaying thedisc in the cartridge. Furthermore, the floating base 21 is providedwith supporting axes 74, 75 and 76 supported by elastic members 105, 106and so on as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it illustrates the assembly of the holder arm 1and floating base 21. The pin 3 is integrally disposed on the holder arm1 and the pin 23 is integrally disposed on the floating base 21. Inorder to mount the holder arm 1 on the floating base 21, first, the pin23 is inserted into a corresponding hole 1b of the holder arm 1. Then,an inner-side pin of the pin 3 is inserted into a corresponding hole 21bof the floating base 21. Thus, incorporating the floating base 21 intothe holder arm 1 is completed. The pins 3 and 23 serve as rotationalaxes. Therefore, the holder arm 1 can rotate with respect to thefloating base 21. Furthermore, the pins 3 and 23 also serve as lockingpins for securing the floating base 21 to the chassis 24 when nocartridge is loaded on the floating base 21.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, they respectively illustrate ageneral top view showing the disc device in a state wherein a disccartridge is inserted into the holder 7, a general top view showing thedisc device in a state wherein the disc cartridge is carried to theplayback position, and a general top view showing the disc device in astate wherein the ejector arm 9 is separate from a slider 14 disposedwithin the holder 7. In these figures, only main components areillustrated. In FIG. 7, the holder 7 is omitted. Furthermore, in thesefigures, reference numeral 11 denotes a shutter opener, 8 denotes a hookdisposed on one edge of the shutter opener 11 for opening the shutter ofa disc cartridge inserted, and 10 denotes a groove portion disposed onthe slider 14. The cross section of the groove portion is shaped like aletter U.

Referring now to FIGS. 8a and 8b, they respectively illustrate a topview and a side view showing the detail of the shutter opener 11slidably disposed on the holder 7. As shown in these figures, theshutter opener 11 is provided with grooves 11a and 11b engaged with pins12 and 13, as shown in FIG. 5, disposed on the upper surface of theholder 7. As will be mentioned later, as a disc cartridge insertedmoves, the shutter opener 11 slides on the holder 7 while being guidedby the pins 12 and 13. The hook 8 moves within a groove 73 of the holderduring the sliding movement of the shutter opener and then comes intocontact with a side wall 73a of the groove 73 at the stop position ofthe shutter opener. Then, the shutter opener 11 stops.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b, they respectively illustrate a topview and a side view showing the detail of the slider 14 slidablydisposed within the holder 7. The slider 14 is provided with holes 150,160, and 170 into which pins 15, 16, and 17 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 arefitted. The slider 14 is supported within the holder 7 by means of thepins 15, 16, and 17 and is engaged with the holder 7 so that the slidercan slide along guide grooves 18 and 19, formed on the upper surface ofthe holder 7, in the direction of inserting and discharging the disccartridge. A pin 20 (see FIG. 5) disposed on one end part of the ejectorarm 9 is adapted to slide within the groove portion 10 of the slider 14.Furthermore, there is provided a pair of slider hooks 69, each of whichis constructed of an elastic body such as a plate spring, and which arefixed on the rear side surface of the slider 14 for holding a disccartridge inserted into the slider. Bent portions 69a of the sliderhooks 69 protrude inwardly so as to be engaged with the guide grooves ofthe disc cartridge inserted.

In FIGS. 5 to 7, reference numeral 25 denotes a spacer arm, 26 denotesan axis about which the ejector arm 9 and spacer arm 25 can rotate, 27denotes a projecting portion, which is formed by cutting and bending,projecting from the spacer arm 25, 28 denotes a projecting portion,which is formed by cutting and bending, projecting from the ejector arm9, and 29 denotes a spring, arm portions 29a and 29b of which arerespectively engaged with the projecting portion 28 of the ejector arm 9and projecting portion 27 of the spacer arm 25. The arm portions 29a and29b of the spring 29 urge the projecting portions 27 and 28 in thedirections indicated by the arrows D1 and D2 shown in FIG. 5,respectively.

When the ejector arm 9 and spacer arm 25 abut on each other at contactportions 9a and 25a thereof, they stop relatively. Thus, since theycannot further rotate until the angle between the arms 9 and 25 becomeslarger than a predetermined angle, the minimum width of a driving gap(or a driving groove) 79 formed between the ejector arm 9 and the spacerarm 25 is ensured.

Furthermore, reference numeral 78 denotes a pin disposed on a rotary cam55. As the rotary cam 55 rotates about an axis 77 in the directionindicated by the arrow V shown in FIG. 5, the pin 78 slides along thedriving gap 79 constructed by the ejector arm 9 and spacer arm 25. Thedriving gap 79 is formed such that the pin 78 is loosely engaged in thegap 79 while the pin 20 is engaged in the groove portion of the slider14, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As previously mentioned, the arm portions29a and 29b of the spring 29 urge the projecting portions 27 and 28 inthe directions indicated by the arrows D1 and D2 shown in FIG. 5,respectively. Furthermore, the driving gap 79 is formed such that thewidth of the driving gap 79 at an end-of-travel point 79a as shown inFIG. 7 becomes narrower than the diameter of the pin 78 due to theurging force of the spring 29. As a result, the ejector arm 9 and spacerarm 25 securely holds the pin 78 of the rotary cam 55 through the gap 79while the pin 20 of the ejector arm 9 is separate from the grooveportion of the slider 14. Therefore, the ejector arm 9 and spacer arm 25are securely connected to the rotary cam 55 via the pin 78, and hencethey do not rattle.

Furthermore, reference numeral 67 denotes a twisting reversal springwhich, when a disc cartridge is inserted into the slider 14 within theholder 7, as shown in FIG. 5, urges the slider 14 in the directionindicated by the arrow U so that the slider 14 abuts on a side wall ofthe holder 7 in the vicinity of the insertion opening.

Referring now to FIG. 10, it illustrates a plan view showing arelationship between the ejector arm 9 and spacer arm 25 and switches 32and 34. In cases where a disc cartridge can be inserted into the holder,the ejector arm 9 is positioned such that one end part 31 of the ejectorarm 9 is brought into contact with the power motor start switch 32. Inaddition, on end part 33 of the spacer arm 25 abuts on the power motorstop switch 34. The power motor start switch 32 is adapted to be turnedon when there occurs a change from the state in which it is pushed bythe end part 31 of the ejector arm 9 to the state in which it is free ofthe pressure by the end part. That is, when the ejector arm 9 in thestate shown in FIG. 10 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Pin order to carry a disc cartridge inserted, the power motor startswitch 32 is switched on. Thus, when a disc cartridge is slightlyinserted into the slider by the user and then the ejector arm 9 rotatesslightly, the power motor start switch 32 is switched on with resultthat the power motor 56 is started. The power motor stop switch 34 isadapted to stop the power motor 56 when it is pushed by the end part 33of the spacer arm 25. That is, when the ejector arm 9 rotates in thedirection indicated by the arrow Q in order to discharge the disccartridge and then reaches the state as shown in FIG. 10, the powermotor stop switch 34 is switched on so as to stop the power motor 56.

Next, a description will be made as to a mechanism for preventing wronginsertion of a disc cartridge. FIGS. 11a and 11b respectively show aplan view and a side view of a cartridge insertion detecting member.FIGS. 12 and 13 are plan views showing the holder in the state wherein adisc cartridge is correctly inserted. FIGS. 14 and 15 are plan viewsshowing the holder in the state wherein a disc cartridge incorrectlyoriented is inserted. In these figures, reference numeral 70 denotes aswitch lever disposed as the cartridge insertion detecting member whichcan pivot in the direction indicated by the arrow K in FIG. 12 and thencan abut on a switch not shown in the figure, 71 denotes a contactportion of the cartridge insertion detecting member 70, which can comeinto contact with a disc cartridge inserted, 72 denotes a pin aboutwhich the cartridge insertion detecting member 70 can pivot, an 720denotes a hole formed in the cartridge insertion detecting member 70,which the pin 72 penetrates. Furthermore, reference numeral 74 denotes awrong-insertion preventing lug formed in the slider 14 for preventingwrong insertions. As shown in FIG. 13, when a disc cartridge normallyoriented is inserted into the holder 7, the wrong-insertion preventionlug 74 is fitted into the groove 75 of the disc cartridge inserted. Theswitch lever 70 is pivotably attached on the holder 7 and is locatedbehind and outside the end part of the wrong-insertion preventing lug74, when viewed from the insertion opening through which a disccartridge is inserted, so that the contact portion 71 projecting fromthe switch lever 70 can be brought into contact with a corner of thedisc cartridge inserted correctly.

As shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b, the contact portion 71 of the cartridgeinsertion detecting member 70 is bent such that it easily comes intocontact with the left side corner of the front of a disc cartridgeinserted. Since the wrong-insertion preventing lug 74 is fitted into thegroove 75 when a disc cartridge is correctly inserted in the directionindicated by the arrow W, the contact portion 71 of the cartridgeinsertion detecting member 70 is brought into contact with the cartridgeand then pivots about the pin 72 in the direction indicated by the arrowK, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. As a result, the cartridge detectionswitch is switched on.

On the contrary, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when a disc cartridge,which is turned 90 degrees and is therefore oriented incorrectly, isinserted into the holder 7 by mistake, the wrong-insertion preventinglug 74 is brought into contact with a side edge of the disc cartridgehaving no groove into which the wrong-insertion preventing lug 74 can befitted. The inserted disc cartridge cannot move on the left side withinthe slider 14 because the wrong-insertion preventing lug 74 obstructsthe cartridge. Therefore, when a disc cartridge oriented incorrectly isinserted, the disc cartridge cannot pull toward the cartridge insertiondetecting member 70. As a result, since the end portion 71 cannot bebrought into contact with a corner of the disc cartridge inserted andhence the cartridge insertion detecting member 70 cannot rotate, thedetection switch is not switched on. Since the power motor 56 is notactivated unless the detection switch is switched on, such awrong-orientation insertion of a disc cartridge does not cause the nextdisc cartridge inserting operation.

Next, the description will be directed to the floating base lockingmechanism. FIG. 16 shows a general top view of the disc device in astate wherein the floating base is locked by the floating base lockingmechanism, FIG. 17 shows a left side view of the disc device when viewedfrom the direction indicated by the arrow L in FIG. 16, FIG. 18 shows apartially cutaway view showing the inside of the chassis shown in FIG.17, and FIG. 19 shows a right side view of the disc device when viewedfrom the direction indicated by the arrow R in FIG. 16. FIG. 20 shows aplan view showing a slide plate 37 and a locking arm 35 which areintegral parts of the floating base locking mechanism, FIG. 21 shows anelevational view of the slide plate 37, and FIG. 22 shows an elevationalview of the locking arm 35. Furthermore, FIG. 23 shows a plan viewshowing a slide plate 50 and a locking arm 49 which are integral partsof the floating base locking mechanism, FIG. 24 shows an elevationalview of the slide plate 50, and FIG. 25 shows an elevational view of thelocking arm 49.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 84 denotes a link which rotates about anaxis 87 as the rotary cam 55 rotates, one end part 88 of the link 84being engaged with the slide plate 37, 85 denotes a pin fixed on thelink 84 and engaged with a groove 86 formed in the rotary cam 55, 95denotes a link which rotates about an axis 150 as the rotary cam 55rotates, one end part 151 of the link 95 being engaged with the slideplate 50, and 96 denotes a pin fixed on the link 95 and engaged with agroove 97 formed in the rotary cam 55.

The locking arm 35 is adapted to rotate about an axis 36 disposed as asupporting axis which penetrates a hole in one side wall of the chassis24, as shown in FIG. 17. The slide plate 37 is provided with bentportions 41 and 42 (see FIGS. 20 and 21) which are slidably engaged withgrooves 38 and 39 formed in the side wall of the chassis 24,respectively. Therefore, the slide plate 37 can slide forward andbackward in the direction indicated by the arrow G and vice versa withrespect to the chassis 24. For example, when the rotary cam 55 in thestate as shown in FIG. 16 rotates in the clockwise direction, the pin 85moves along the groove 86 and hence the slide plate 37 slides in thedirection indicated by the arrow G with respect to the chassis 24. Whilethe disc device is in the state as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the slideplate 37 is locking the floating base 21 by securing the pins 3 and 94by means of locking grooves 91 and 92. Furthermore, a spring 45connected between the bent portion 43 of the slide plate 37 and aprojecting portion 44 of the chassis 24, which is formed by cutting andbending, urges the slide plate 37 in the direction of locking thefloating base 21 (the direction indicated by the arrow T in FIG. 17).

Furthermore, reference numeral 89 denotes a L-shaped groove formed onthe slide plate 37, and 90 denotes a pin which is fixed on the lockingarm 35 and is engaged in the groove 89. Thus, the locking arm 35 rotatesabout the axis 36 as the slide plate 37 slides.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 24, the other slide plate 50 disposed on theopposite side of the floating base 21 is also provided with bentportions 52 and 251 which are slidably engaged with grooves 51 and 250formed in another side wall of the chassis 24, respectively. Thus, theslide plate 50 can slide forward and backward with respect to thechassis 24. Furthermore, a spring 48 is connected between the bentportion 46 of the slide plate 50 and a projecting portion 47 of thechassis 24, which is formed by cutting and bending. The spring 48 urgesthe slide plate 50 in the direction of unlocking the floating base 21(the direction indicated by the arrow I in FIG. 19). Accordingly, theslide plates 37 and 50 are respectively urged in the directions oflocking and unlocking the floating base 21, i.e., in oppositedirections.

Referring now to FIG. 26, it illustrates a graph showing a load imposedon the rotary cam 55 when locking and unlocking the floating base 21.When locking the floating base 21, a load imposed on the link 95 due tothe spring 48 is decreased as the slide plate 50 slides. On the otherhand, a load imposed on the link 84 due to the spring 45 is increased asthe slide plate 37 slides. When unlocking the floating base 21, a loadimposed on the link 95 due to the spring 48 is increased as the slideplate 50 slides. On the other hand, a load imposed on the link 84 due tothe spring 45 is decreased as the slide plate 37 slides.

Thus, the driving force required for the rotary cam 55 to drive the pairof the slide plates 37 and 50 when locking the floating base 21 can bethe same as that required for the rotary cam 55 when unlocking thefloating base 21. That is, the driving force required for the rotary cam55 to drive the pair of slide plates can be nearly constant. As aresult, the pins 85 and 96 can slide smoothly within the grooves 86 and97 of the rotary cam 55. Furthermore, the maximum driving force requiredof the power motor 56 can be reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, an L-shaped groove is formed on the slideplate 50, and a pin engaged with the groove is fixed on the locking arm49. The locking arm 49 rotates about an axis thereof as the slide plate50 slides on the chassis 24.

Referring now to FIG. 27, it illustrates a general top view showing thedisc device in the state wherein the floating base 21 is unlocked andthe holder 7 is moved downward to the floating base 21. Furthermore,FIG. 28 shows a left side view of the disc device when viewed from thedirection indicated by the arrow L in FIG. 27, FIG. 29 shows a partiallycutaway view showing the inside of the chassis shown in FIG. 28, andFIG. 30 shows a left side view of the disc device when viewed from thedirection indicated by the arrow R in FIG. 27. When the slide plate 37slides in the direction indicated by the arrow G with respect to thechassis 24, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the engagement between aninclined portions 37a of the slide plate 37 and the inclined portion 2aof the side arm 2 is released and hence the holder 7 descends toward thefloating base 21. Furthermore, the pins 3, 94, 23, and 99 are unlockedand then the floating base 21 changes into the floating state.

Next, a description will be made as to the pickup moving mechanism. FIG.31 shows a bottom view showing the pickup mounted in the floating base21, and FIG. 32 shows a side view of the floating base 21 of FIG. 31. Aturn table 60 is disposed in the vicinity of the center of the floatingbase 21. The turn table 60 which is adapted to support and turn the discwithin a disc cartridge inserted into the holder is driven and rotatedby a motor 61 disposed on the bottom surface of the floating base 21.The pickup 59 is disposed within a cutaway portion 21a of the floatingbase 21. The pickup 59 is slidably supported by guide shafts 62 and 63and is provided with a guide portion 64 engaged with the threads of ashaft 66 which can be rotated by a motor 65 disposed as a drivingsource. As the shaft 66 rotates, the guide portion 64 moves on the shaft66. Thus, the pickup 59 moves forward or backward in the radialdirection of the disc loaded on the turn table 60.

Next, a description will be made as to the power motor peripheralmechanism. FIG. 33 shows a plan view showing peripheral components ofthe power motor 56 for rotating the rotary cam 55. A worm gear 57pressed into the power motor 56 which is placed on a motor base 54 fixedon the chassis 24 is engaged with the rotary cam 55 at the final stageby way of reduction gears 58a, 58b, 58c, and 58d. That is, the drivingforce of the power motor 56 is transmitted to the reduction gears 58a,58b, 58c, and 58d through the worm gear 57 and finally to the rotary cam55. Then, the rotary cam 55 to which the driving force is transmittedrotates about the axis 77, and this results in causing the pin 78 toslide along the driving groove 79 formed by the ejector arm 9 and spacerarm 25, as shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the rotary cam 55 is adapted tocause the pins 85 and 96 to slide along the grooves 86 and 97 formed onthe rotary cam 55, as shown in FIG. 16.

Next, the description will be directed to the operation of each of theaforementioned mechanisms of the disc device. When the user inserts adisc cartridge into the disc device, usually, the pair of the bentportions 69a of the pair of slider hooks 69 are engaged with acorresponding pair of grooves of the disc cartridge. Thus, the disccartridge is set in the slider 14 slidably disposed within the holder 7.In such a state wherein a disc cartridge inserted into the disc devicehas not been carried yet, the pin 20 of the ejector arm 9 is in contactwith the inner wall of the groove 10 of the slider 14, as shown in FIG.5. In this case, the slider 14 is urged in the direction indicated bythe arrow U by the twisting reversal spring 67 so as to abut on a sidewall of the holder 7 in the vicinity of the insertion opening. Thus, therattle of the slider 14 can be prevented.

The holder 7 is in alignment as shown in FIG. 2b with the floating base21 between the instant when a disc cartridge is inserted and the instantwhen the disc cartridge is carried to the replay position. If the upperportion 7b of the holder 7 in this alignment is pushed down, there is apossibility that a disc cartridge cannot be inserted into the holder 7.In order to prevent this malfunction, the disc cartridge inserting anddischarging mechanism is so constructed that a force exerted on theupper portion is transmitted to the holder arm 1 combined with theholder 7 when the upper portion 7b is pushed down, and then the holder 7rotates about the pins 3 and 23 disposed as the rotational axis of theholder 7 in a cartridge loading direction (the direction indicated bythe arrow N in FIG. 2b). The downward movement of the holder causes theprojecting portion 5 of the holder arm 1 to bend the spring 6, the armportion 6a of which is engaged with the projecting portion 4 of the sidearm 2, in the clockwise direction against the elastic force of the armportion 6b. As a result, the disc cartridge inserting and dischargingmechanism becomes a state as shown in FIG. 34. In other words, the sidearm 2 and holder arm 1 are adapted to absorb a pushing force exerted onthe upper portion 7a.

Next, a description will be made as to a mechanism for preventing theslider 14 from coming into contact with the turn table 60 and pickup 59between the instant when a disc cartridge is inserted and the instantwhen the cartridge is carried to the replay position. FIG. 35 shows aside view showing the holder 7, slider 14, and floating base 21 whenviewed from the upper side of FIG. 5. The slider 14 is provided with apair of protrusions 14a projecting toward the floating base 21. When aforce in the direction indicated by the arrow K in FIG. 35 is exerted onthe holder 7, first the pair of projecting portions 14a are brought intocontact with the upper surface of the floating base 21. Thus, the lowersurface of the slider 14 is not brought into contact with the turn table60, pickup 59, and so on. Accordingly, the occurrence of failures of theturn table 60 and pickup 59 due to a collision between them and theslider 14 can be prevented.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 36, the pair of slider hooks 69 can beprovided with a pair of protrusions 69e, respectively. Like theabove-mentioned case, the occurrence of failures of the turn table 60and pickup 59 due to a collision between them and the slider 14 can beprevented.

As previously mentioned, when a disc cartridge is inserted into theholder 7, the pair of guide holes of the disc cartridge are respectivelyengaged with the pair of bent portions 69a of the pair of slider hooks69 fixed on the slider 14, as shown in FIG. 5. After that, when the userfurther pushes the disc cartridge, the slider 14 is pushed forward bythe disc cartridge and slides along the guide grooves 18 and 19 of theholder 7. As the slider 14 slides, the ejector arm 9 rotates about theaxis 26 so that the pin 20 disposed at one end part of the ejector arm 9moves within the groove 10 of the slider 14 in the direction indicatedby the arrow E in FIG. 5. The rotation of the ejector arm 9 causes theend portion 31 of the ejector arm 9 as shown in FIG. 10 to dissociateitself from the switch 32. As a result, the contact between the end part31 and the switch 32 is released and hence the switch 32 is switched on.

When the switch 32 is turned on, the power motor 56 is activated andthen the rotary cam 55 rotates in the clockwise direction (the directionindicated by the arrow V in FIG. 5) by virtue of the rotational force ofthe power motor 56. Thus, the pin 78 rotates about the axis 77 and theejector arm 9 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, so that theslider 14 further slides within the holder 7. As a result, the disccartridge carried by the slider 14 moves toward the back of the holder7. As the disc cartridge moves, the shutter opener 11 moves togetherwith the cartridge. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, when the end part 8a ofthe hook 8 of the shutter opener 11 is brought into contact with a sidewall 73a of the hole 73 of the holder 7, the sliding movement of theshutter opener 11 is stopped. After that, as the disc cartridge furthermoves toward the back of the holder, the hook 8 of the shutter opener 11relatively slides along the guide groove of the disc cartridge inserted.As a result, the end part 8a of the hook 8 is engaged with the shutterof the disc cartridge and the shutter is opened.

Since the shutter opener 11 slides on the holder 7 in this manner, thetravel of the disc cartridge with respect to the holder 7 can beincreased by the travel of the shutter opener 11. That is, the disccartridge can move through not only the sliding stroke of the shutterthereof but also the travel of the shutter opener 11, with respect tothe hook 8 of the shutter opener 11. Therefore, the carrying startposition of a disc cartridge inserted into the holder 7 (i.e. theposition where the pair of guide holes of the disc cartridge insertedare engaged with the pair of slider hooks 69) can be moved closer to theinsertion opening of the holder 7. Accordingly, the needed travelthrough which the user has to move a disc cartridge when inserting itinto the holder can be reduced. In other words, the length of a part ofa disc cartridge projecting out of the insertion opening when the disccartridge is ejected from the holder can be increased. Thus, the usercan easily insert a disc cartridge into the disc device and can easilytake out a disc cartridge when it is ejected from the disc device.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the pin 15 for slidably securing the slider 14to the holder 7 comes into contact with an end part 18a (see FIG. 5) ofthe guide groove 18, the sliding movement of the slider 14 is stopped.After that, as the rotary cam 55 further rotates in the clockwisedirection, the links 84 and 95 as shown in FIG. 16 rotates. As a result,as shown in FIGS. 28 through 30, the pair of slide plates 37 and 50 movein the directions indicated by the arrows G and I, respectively, andthen the engagement of the inclined portion 37a with the inclinedportion 2a of the side arm 2 is released. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 37, the holder 7 is, together with the holder arm 1, pushed towardthe floating base 21 by the urging force of a spring 82 connectedbetween a projecting portion 80, which is formed by cutting and bending,of the holder arm 1 and a projecting portion 81, which is formed bycutting and bending, of the floating base 21. Thus, when the engagementof the inclined portion 37a with the inclined portion 2a of the side arm2 is released, the spring 82 engaged between the holder arm 1 and thefloating base 21 causes the holder arm 1 to rotate about the pin 3, 23in the direction indicated by the arrow A2 in FIG. 2b, i.e., toward thefloating base, and hence the projecting portion 7a of the holder 7engaged with the circle-shaped notch 1d of the holder arm 1 is movedtoward the floating base 21. As a result, the holder 7 descends towardthe floating base 21. The spring 82 also serves to prevent the rattle ofthe holder 7 regardless of whether the floating base 21 is locked ornot.

After the engagement of the inclined portion 37a of the slide plate 37with the inclined portion 2a of the side arm 2 is released and then theholder 7 descends toward the floating base 21, the rotary cam 55 furtherrotates in the clockwise direction together with the pin 78. Thus, thepin 78 moves within the groove 79 formed by the ejector arm 9 and spacerarm 25 while rotating. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the ejector arm9 and slider 14 are separated from each other. During the abovemovement, the pair of slide plates 37 and 50 further slide on thechassis 24 so that the floating base 21 is unlocked. Thus, the floatingbase 21 becomes a vibration-proof state in which it is supported by theelastic members and loading the disc cartridge on the floating base isfinished. At the completion of loading the disc cartridge, since theejector arm 9 is sufficiently away from the floating base 21, theejector arm 9 never comes into collision with the floating base 21 orslider 14 even if the floating base 21 undergoes displacement withrespect to the chassis 24 due to vibrations or the like caused by avehicle equipped with the disc device according to the presentinvention.

As shown in FIG. 30, when the slide plate 50 slides and then aprojecting plate 50a of the slide plate pushes a stop switch 102, thestop switch 102 is switched on and then the power motor 56 is stopped.The loading operation is thus completed.

Next, a description will be made as to disc cartridge dischargingoperation. The disc cartridge discharging operation is started by thepush of an eject button by the user. When the eject button is pushed,the power motor 56 begins to rotate opposite to the direction ofinserting a disc cartridge into the holder and hence the rotary cam 55begins to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The following disccartridge discharging operation can be carried out by reversing theabove-mentioned disc cartridge inserting operation.

Referring now to FIGS. 38 and 39, they illustrate a plan view of avariant of the slider and an enlarged view of the slider, respectively.As shown in these figures, one of the pair of the slider hooks 69 eachconstructed of an elastic body such as a flat spring is provided with abent portion 69b recessed on the slider hook, which constructs a part ofthe wall surrounding the groove portion 10 of the slider 14, as shown inFIG. 39. The bent portion 69b realizes a safety mechanism as describedhereinafter. After the eject button is pushed and then the rotary cam 55starts rotating in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrowCV in FIG. 38, the pin 20 is caught by the groove portion 10 and anejecting function is performed as shown in FIG. 6 in a normal condition.If a position of the slider 14 has slipped to an ejecting direction whenthe ejecting function starts, it is impossible for the pin 20 to becaught by the groove portion 10 since the pin 20 positions outside thegroove portion 10 as shown in FIG. 40. Here, it is impossible for theslider 14 to move to an inverse ejecting direction since an end portionof the guide groove 18 and the pin 15 are in contact with each other.

If the ejecting function starts under the condition, the ejectingfunction is completed since the pin 20 can push the groove portion 10and slide outside the groove portion 10. However, if a loading functionis intended to start again, the loading function is not completed sincethe pin is not caught by the groove portion 10. Thus, an error functionoccurs. In order to recover a normal condition, the bent portion 69b isprovided with.

When the rotary cam 55 rotates in CV direction, the pin 20 of theejector arm 9 comes into contact with the above-mentioned slider hook 69and then slides on the slider hook 69 toward the recessed portion 69b.In this case, the pin 20 of the ejector arm 9 cannot move without beingengaged in the groove portion 10 of the slider 14. As shown in FIG. 40,when the rotary cam 55 further rotates, the pin 20 comes into contactwith the bent portion 69b of the slider hook 69 which is disposed so asto cover an opening of the groove portion 10. Then, the bent portion 69bis pushed and is then bent in the direction indicated by the arrow F. Asa result, the opening is opened and then the pin 20 enters into thegroove portion 10 through the opening. The pin 20 is thus engaged in thegroove 10 of the slider 14, as shown in FIG. 41.

Referring now to FIGS. 42 and 43, they illustrate a plan view of anothervariant of the slider and an enlarged view of the slider, respectively.As shown in these figures, one of the pair of slider hooks 69 is furtherprovided with a guide portion 69c in addition to the bent portion 69b.Accordingly, when a disc cartridge is discharged out of the holder, thepin 20 can easily come into contact with the bent portion 69b and thencan be engaged in the groove 10 easily because the pin 20 is guided bythe guide portion 69c.

Next, a description will be made as to locking and unlocking operationof the floating base 21. In a state wherein the floating base 21 islocked, as shown in FIGS. 16 through 19, when the rotary cam 55 rotatesin the clockwise direction, the pin 85 of the link 84 moves along thegroove 86 of the rotary cam 55. As a result, the link 84 rotates aboutthe axis 87 disposed as a supporting axis and hence the slide plate 37engaged with the end part 88 moves in the direction indicated by thearrow G in FIG. 16. The movement of the slide plate causes theprotrusion 90 to move along the cam groove 89 formed in the slide plate37, with result that the locking arm 35 rotates in the directionindicated by the arrow H in FIG. 18. The movements of the slide plate 37and locking arm 35 cause the locking grooves 91 and 92 of the slideplate 37 to dissociate themselves from the pins 3 and 94 of the floatingbase 21. Finally, the pins 3 and 94 are unlocked.

As the pin 96 of the link 95 moves along the groove 97 of the rotary cam55 in synchronization with the link 84, the link 95 rotates about theaxis 150 disposed as a supporting axis. As a result, the slide plate 50engaged with the end part 151 of the link 95 moves in the directionindicated by the arrow I in FIG. 19 and the locking arm 49 rotates inthe direction indicated by the arrow J in FIG. 19. The movements of theslide plate 50 and locking arm 49 cause the locking grooves 100 and 101of the slide plate 50 to dissociate themselves from the pins 98 and 99of the floating base 21. Finally, the pins 98 and 99 are unlocked.

As previously mentioned, since the springs 45 and 48 urge the slideplates in opposite directions, i.e., in the directions of locking andunlocking the floating base, respectively, the driving force requiredfor unlocking the floating base can be the same as that required forlocking the floating base. The operation of locking the floating basecan be accomplished by reversing the above-mentioned unlockingoperation.

Referring now to FIGS. 44 and 45, they illustrate a rear view partiallyshowing the slider of a disc device according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention, and a plan view partially showing the slider,respectively.

In the second embodiment, the mechanism for facilitating the engagementof the pin 20 of the ejector arm 9 with the groove portion 10 of theslider 14 in order to prevent the pin 20 of the ejector arm 9 frommoving without being engaged in the groove portion 10 of the slider 14differs from that according to the first embodiment. In FIGS. 44 and 45,the same parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by thesame reference numerals. Furthermore, the description about the sameparts will be omitted.

A spring 201 is engaged between a projecting portion 69d, which isformed by cutting and bending, of the slider hook 69 and a projectingportion 202a, which is formed by cutting and bending, of a slide plate202. The slide plate 202 is slidably disposed within the groove portion10 of the slider 14 and is urged toward the slider hook 69 by the spring201. After the eject button is pushed and the rotary cam 55 startsrotating in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow CV inFIG. 38, the pin 20 of the ejector arm 9 comes into contact with theabove-mentioned slider hook 69 and then moves toward a guide portion202b projecting from the slide plate 202. When the rotary cam 55 furtherrotates, the pin 20 comes into contact with the guide portion 202b ofthe slide plate 202 and then the slide plate 202 slides so as togenerate an opening 200, as shown in FIG. 45. The pin 20 enters into thegroove portion 10 through the opening 200 and is then engaged in thegroove portion 10. The pin 20 of the ejector arm 9 is thus preventedfrom moving without being engaged in the groove portion 10 of the slider14. After the pin 20 is engaged in the groove portion 10, the slideplate 202 returns to its original position by the spring 201 and hencethe opening 200 is closed.

Referring now to FIGS. 46, 47, 48, and 49, they illustrate a generalplan view of a disc device according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention, a left side view of the disc device when viewed fromthe direction indicated by the arrow L in FIG. 46, a right side view ofthe disc device when viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow Rin FIG. 46, and a partially cutaway view of FIG. 48. Furthermore, FIG.50 shows a plan view showing slide plates 203 and 205 and a link plate204 which are integral parts of the floating base locking mechanismaccording to this embodiment, FIG. 51 shows an elevational view of theslide plate 203, FIG. 52 shows an elevational view of the link plate204, and FIG. 53 shows an elevational view of the slide plate 205. Inthe third embodiment, the floating base locking mechanism partiallydiffers from that according to the first embodiment. In FIGS. 46 through53, the same parts as those of the first embodiment are designated bythe same reference numerals. Furthermore, the description about the sameparts will be omitted.

In accordance with this embodiment, the driving link 95 is connectedwith the slide plate 203 which can lock the locking pin 99, instead ofthe slide plate 50 according to the first embodiment mentioned above, asshown in FIG. 46. As shown in FIG. 51, the slide plate 203 is providedwith a groove 210 which is engaged with a pin 211 of the link plate 204.As shown in FIG. 53, the slide plate 205 is provided with a groove 212which is engaged with a pin 213 of the link plate 204. The slide plates203 and 205 are slidably attached on the chassis 24 and the link plate204 is disposed so as to rotate about an axis 214 fixed on the chassis24. When the slide plate 203 slides as the link 95 rotates, the slideplate 205 which can lock the other locking pin 23 slides opposite indirection to the travel of the slide plate 203 through the link plate204.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 49, a spring 206, one end of which isconnected with the chassis 24 and the other end of which is connectedwith the slide plate 205, urges the slide plate 205 which is at thelongest distance from the driving link 95 in the direction indicated bythe arrow M in the figure. Thus, the rattle and chatter of the drivinglink 95, slide plate 203, link plate 204, and slide plate 205 can beprevented.

As previously mentioned, the present invention offers the followingadvantages.

In accordance with the above-mentioned embodiments, a rotary cam isrotatably disposed on a chassis for driving members for locking afloating base and for driving a driving arm engaged with a slider inorder to insert a disc cartridge into a holder or discharge the disccartridge out of the holder, and the driving arm is adapted todissociate itself from the slider when the disc cartridge held in theholder moves up and down and when writing to or replaying the disccartridge. Thus, when writing to or replaying the disc cartridge, thefloating base can be in a vibration-proof state wherein it is supportedby only a plurality of elastic members. Furthermore, since the drivingarm does not come into contact with the floating base during replayingor writing to the disc cartridge, vibrations are not created in thefloating base.

Since the width of a driving gap between the driving arm and a space armin the vicinity of the end-of-travel point of a pin disposed on end partof the rotary cam is narrower than the size of the pin and the pin issecurely held by the arms due to the urging force of a spring connectedbetween the arms, the rattle and chatter of the arms can be prevented.

Furthermore, the rotary cam is provided with grooves engaged with thepins of a pair of links which drive a pair of slide plates for lockingthe floating base. This results in preventing the pair of slide platesfrom moving out of synchronization with each other. Accordingly, thelocking and unlocking operations of the floating base can be carried outsmoothly.

In addition, there are provided a spring which urges one of the pair ofslide plates and another spring which urges the other of the pair ofslide plates in the opposite direction. Therefore, variations in thedriving force required for causing the slide plates to slide can bereduced regardless of whether the pair of slide plates slide in thelocking direction or in the unlocking direction. As a result, the pairof slide plates can slide smoothly, and the needed driving force can bedecreased.

Furthermore, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,one of the pair of slide plates is constructed by two plates which canslide in opposite directions in synchronization with each other by meansof a link plate, and two pins disposed on one side surface of thefloating base are locked by the two plates which have slid in oppositedirections. Thus, the lock of the floating base can be ensured.

In addition, there are provided a lug for preventing wrong insertion ofa cartridge, a switch lever which is pivotably attached on the holderand is located behind and outside the end part of the lug, when viewedfrom an insertion opening through which a disc cartridge is inserted, sothat a projecting portion thereof is brought into contact with a cornerof the disc cartridge inserted correctly, and a switch which is able todetect correct insertion of a disc cartridge when the switch armrotates. Therefore, since, when the switch detects wrong insertion of adisc cartridge, the disc cartridge is not carried, failures due to wronginsertion can be prevented.

Furthermore, there is provided a shutter opener having a protrusionwhich can open the shutter of a disc cartridge, the shutter opener beingsupported on the holder so that the shutter opener can slide in thedirections of inserting and discharging a disc cartridge into and out ofthe holder. Therefore, the travel of the disc cartridge with respect tothe holder can be increased by the travel of the shutter opener. Thelength of a part of the disc cartridge projecting out of the holder whenthe cartridge is ejected from the holder can be increased. Thus, theuser can easily take out the disc cartridge when it is ejected from thedisc device.

In addition, a holder arm is rotatably attached on the floating base andthe holder is mounted on the holder arm in such a manner that the holdercan rotate with respect to the holder arm. Therefore, the holder cansmoothly move downwards and upwards to and from the floating base.

Furthermore, the holder arm is provided with a pair of circle-shapednotches, the opening of each of which is not directed toward thecartridge insertion opening of the holder, and the holder is providedwith a pair of projecting portions each projecting therefrom in a nearlyhorizontal direction. The cross section of each of the pair ofprojecting portions is shaped such that the thickness of thelongitudinal side is larger than that of the opening of thecircle-shaped notch and the thickness of the other side is smaller thanthat of the opening of the circle-shaped notch. Therefore, the assemblyof the holder and holder arm can be easily carried out by inserting thepair of projecting portions into the pair of circle-shaped notches insuch a manner that the thinner side of each of the projecting portionsis fitted into the opening of each of the circle-shaped notches, andthen rotating the holder so that the thicker side of each of theprojecting portions is engaged in each of the notch portions. Thus, thepair of projecting portions of the holder do not fall off the pair ofnotch portions of the holder arm.

In addition, when the floating base is locked, a side arm is broughtinto contact with the slide plate and is therefore secured. Furthermore,the holder arm is rotatably engaged with the side arm by a spring.Therefore, when a disc cartridge is inserted into the holder in aslanting direction which deviates upwards or downwards from a horizontaldirection, the holder is tilted upwards or downwards. This results inpreventing the holder from distorting.

Furthermore, there is provided a pair of protrusions disposed on eitherthe slider or the pair of slider hooks, the protrusions projectingtoward the floating base. Therefore, only the protrusions projecting theslider abuts on the floating base even if the holder moves downward whena disc cartridge is inserted in a slanting direction toward the floatingbase. This results in preventing the slider from coming into contactwith the turn table and optical pickup.

In addition, there is provided an opening formed in a side wallsurrounding the groove portion of the slider engaged with the drivingarm, and an elastic member which covers the opening. When the drivingarm moves in the direction of discharging a disc cartridge inserted, apin disposed at one end part of the driving arm comes into contact withthe elastic member and hence the elastic member is pushed and bent.Then, the opening is opened and the pin of the driving arm enters intothe groove portion. After that, the opening is closed and the drivingarm is securely engaged in the groove portion. Thus, since the pin ofthe driving arm is securely accommodated within the groove portion,there is not a case where the driving arm is not engaged with the grooveportion of the slider and hence the slider cannot move when inserting adisc cartridge.

Furthermore, there is provided a guide protrusion in the vicinity of theopening of the groove portion of the slider. When discharging a disccartridge inserted, the pin of the driving arm is guided by the guideprotrusion and hence is easily brought into contact with the elasticmember. Thus, the pin of the driving arm can be securely engaged in thegroove portion.

In addition, there can be provided a slide plate at the opening of thegroove portion of the slider instead of the elastic member, and a springwhich urges the slide plate so that the slide plate covers the opening.When discharging a disc cartridge inserted, the pin of the driving armis brought into contact with a projecting portion of the slide plate andthis results in sliding the slide plate to open the opening. Thus, thepin of the driving arm can be securely engaged in the groove portion.

As mentioned above, in accordance with the aforementioned embodiments,various issues in bringing the disc device to the commercial stage, suchas simplification of mechanical components, reduction in componentcount, improvement of assembly efficiency of mechanical components, anddownsizing the disc device can be improved.

Many widely different embodiments of the present invention may beconstructed without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. It should be understood that the present invention is notlimited to the specific embodiments described in the specification,except as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disc device comprising:a floating basesupported by a chassis through a plurality of elastic members; a holderarm rotatably supported on said floating base; and a holder, which isrotatably engaged with said holder arm, and into which a disc cartridgeis inserted, wherein when replaying the disc cartridge held in saidholder, the disc cartridge which is being held in said holder is loadedonto said floating base by rotating said holder with respect to saidholder arm and rotating said holder arm with respect to said floatingbase, said holder including a pair of projecting portions, said holderarm including a pair of circle-shaped notches that engage saidprojecting portions, wherein said holder is rotatably supported by saidholder arm by inserting said pair of projecting portions of said holderinto said pair of circle-shaped notches of said holder arm at a firstrotational position between said holder and said holder arm and thenrotating said holder with respect to said holder arm to a secondrotational position different than the first rotational position,wherein a width of the circle-shaped notches is smaller than alongitudinal dimension of said projecting portions, each of saidprojecting portions having a waist portion of a dimension less than aremainder of said projecting portions in a longitudinal direction,wherein the longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to aloading/unloading direction, said circle-shaped notches having a widthless than the longitudinal dimension of said projecting portions suchthat said circle-shaped notches pivot on said waist portions and areprevented from being disengaged from said projecting portions at thesecond rotational position.
 2. The disc device according to claim 1,wherein said holder arm includes a first pin fixed thereon andpenetrating said holder arm, one end of said first pin being insertedinto a hole of said floating base, and said floating base includes asecond pin fixed thereon and inserted into a hole of said holder arm,and wherein said holder arm is rotatably supported on said floating baseby means of said first and second pins.
 3. The disc device according toclaim 1,said projecting portions having a lateral dimension less thanthe longitudinal dimension and less than the width of said circle-shapednotches, wherein the lateral dimension permits engagement of saidprojecting portions with said circle-shaped notches at the firstrotational position.
 4. The disc device according to claim 1, furthercomprising:a side arm rotatably supported on said floating base outsideof said holder arm, and a stopping portion projecting from a sidesurface of said holder arm, said stopping portion abutting said side armto stop the relative rotation between said holder arm and said side arm.5. The disc device according to claim 4,said side arm and said holderarm rotatably supported on said floating base by the same pivot point.